Estimation of ultrasound reference values for the ulnar nerve fascicular number and cross-sectional area in young males

Abstract

The objective of this study is to estimate the reference values for the number of fascicles and cross-sectional area (CSA) of the ulnar nerve at a single predetermined site by ultrasound in healthy young adult males.The demographic and physical characteristics of 50 adult male volunteers were evaluated and recorded. The subjects were positioned supine with the elbow flexed at 90° and the palm of the hand placed on a hard surface. The ulnar nerve was scanned bilaterally 1 cm proximal to the medial epicondyle in projection of the cubital tunnel. The number of fascicles and mean CSA of the ulnar nerve were identified. In addition, the side-to-side differences of the estimated reference values and their correlations with the age, weight, height, and body mass index (BMI) were evaluated.The mean fascicular number was 5.66 ± 1.48, the mean ultrasound-estimated CSA of the ulnar nerve was 6.54 ± 1.67 mm2 and both sides were comparable in the mean CSA and fascicular number (6.43 ± 1.80 mm2 and 5.88 vs 6.64 ± 1.55 mm2 and 5.44, for right and left side, respectively). No significant correlations were observed between CSA and fascicles number and age, weight, height, or BMI of study subjects.The reference values for the number of fascicles number and the CSA of the ulnar nerve at a single predetermined site were identified. These values could be used for the sonographic diagnosis and follow-up of the ulnar nerve lesions.

Cross‐sectional area reference values for sonography of nerves in the upper extremities

“…Cross‐sectional area (CSA) is the most useful and reliable ultrasonographic parameter. Normal values of CSA of peripheral nerves were reported in several populations, but values obtained from different laboratories varied greatly . The normal size of a nerve may be different among different ethnic groups, as shown by Burg et al, who compared CSAs of the median nerve between samples of Indian and Dutch healthy populations .…”

Estimation of ultrasound reference values for the upper limb peripheral nerves in adults

“…[ 1 – 5 ] Some of these studies involved local population, [ 1 – 8 ] others involved extremes of age, [ 9 ] or even single peripheral nerves, either in a single site, or several sites for a single nerve along its course. [ 10 – 13 ] One of the important studies for evaluation of normal cross-sectional area values, is that of Cartwright et al [ 1 ] ; however, another important study conducted by Kerasnoudis et al, [ 2 ] obtained clear difference in different values, which mandated further studies in different population groups for the standardization of the CSA reference values, especially, those which sex-matched, and others correlating different demographic factors with the obtained CSA reference values.…”

The vagus nerve cross-sectional area on ultrasound in patients with type 2 diabetes

“…In prior studies using normal subjects, the CSA of the VN has also been reported to be smaller on the left side. [17][18][19] The VN is the longest cranial nerve which arises from the brainstem, exiting the medulla below the ninth cranial nerve, and extending through the jugular foramen. [20] The VN contributes to the parasympathetic control of the cervical and thoracoabdominal structures.…”